Things to do in Devon - the ultimate guide to the official top 50 days out

Ranging from crazy rollercoaster rides to historic castles, beautiful beaches, Dartmoor's wild forests and rocky tors - these are the best places for all ages, interests and budgets in delightful Devon.

Devon is packed full of beautiful beaches, historic castles and destinations for the perfect family day out.

Whatever the weather, come rain or shine the landscape ranges from coastal walks to dramatic moorland and deep, dark forests.

If a hike with your friends is your thing, or a gentle family stroll with the kids is what you're after then look no further as there is something to suit everyone in Devon's great outdoors.

Here we list the top 50 most popular things to do across the whole county:

1. Dartmoor is Devon's wilderness paradise

Dartmoor ponies appeared to be queuing for an ice cream during the heatwave

Dartmoor is a vast National Park owned by HRH Prince Charles the Duke of Cornwall. It's famous for the ponies which roam free across a landscape marked by hilltop rocky tors.

It's a wilderness paradise for everybody who loves the great outdoors, filling the entire central area of the county and easily accessible from roads on all sides. But to really know and love the Moors, as they are fondly known to Devonians, you have to be prepared to get out of the car and trek. And that takes Bear Grylls' type map and compass reading skills.

There are forests , rivers and boggy wetlands, trails through valleys with Neolithic tombs, Bronze Age stone circles and abandoned medieval farmhouses to discover.

The area is dotted with villages, including Princetown, home to Dartmoor Prison used during the Napoleonic Wars.

5. Dartmoor Zoo

A tiger at Dartmoor Zoo (Image: @Richardgreenbbc)

Famous for its big cat collection and conservation centre, Dartmoor Zoo is in a 33 acre parkland on the edge of the Moors at Sparkwell, near Plymouth.

The story of the zoo featured in a hit Hollywood film starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johannson. The film was based on owner Benjam Mee's book, We Bought a Zoo, and told the heart-breaking story of how he lost his wife Katherine to a brain tumour.

Read More

7. Burgh Island

Burgh Island (Image: SWNS)

Burgh Island is a small tidal island on the coast of South Devon across from the small seaside village of Bigbury-on-Sea.

At low tide you can walk across the sand, but at high tide there is an exciting ride on the sea tractor which is is a motor vehicle designed to travel through shallow seawater, carrying passengers on a platform elevated above a submerged, tractor-like chassis.

The sea tractor at the Burgh Island hotel

There are several buildings on the island, the largest being the Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel.

The island is currently ranked the UK’s number 10 top seaside resort and since the hotel opened in 1929, has attracted an exclusive list of celebrity guests including Edward and Mrs Simpson, Noel Coward and The Beatles.

Read More

8. Haytor Rocks on Dartmoor

Haytor Rocks, Dartmoor

This gigantic granite tor is to Devon what Ayers Rock is to Australis - it has an almost magnetic pull. It's the place to be when it snows, at sunrise, at sunset, at New Year, on Christmas Day and especially at Summer Solstice when there's always a happy crowd.

There are small steps hewn into the first level of rock and it is possible to climb right to the top although the last section is only for the fit and very able and even then it can get dangerous in high winds and ice.

There are car parks and the lower car park also has toilets and an information centre.

It's on the eastern edge of Dartmoor at grid reference SX757770, near the village of Haytor Vale in the parish of Ilsington.

Read More

12. Blackpool Sands, Dartmouth

Blackpool Sands

Blackpool Sands is a shingle beach in a fabulous bay with sandpits, kayaks, stand up paddleboards, a shop, the brilliant Venus Beach Cafe and summer lifeguards. It's not far from Dartmouth and there is parking.

13. Valley of the Rocks

Lynton (Valley of Rocks)

On the South West Coast Path, the Valley of the Rocks is a dry valley that runs parallel to the coast in north Devon about one kilometre west of the village of Lynton. The unique rock formations also have a secret beach behind the main rock. There is a great view from the top of the rock. Parking is nearby.

14. Royal Albert Memorial Museum

The competition is being run by the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (Image: GoogleMaps)

The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) has a world class collection ranging from art to anthropology, housed in the ornate, Victorian, Gothic revival building.

It has lots for children to do and there's a lovely cafe for lunch. Allow about three hours for a good nosey around.

15. Dartmouth Castle

Dartmouth Castle (Image: Steve Pope)

Dartmouth Castle is an artillery fort, built to protect Dartmouth harbour. The earliest parts of the castle date from the 1380s, when, in response to the threat of a French attack, the civic authorities created a small enclosure castle overlooking the mouth of the River Dart.

There is a shop, free parking and disability access, and a tea room with outdoor seating. Be warned the road to the castle is narrow with few passing points.

Read More

20. Buckland Abbey

Buckland Abbey Devon where Sir Francis Drake died.

Buckland Abbey is a 700-year-old house in Buckland Monachorum, near Yelverton with amazing gardens and a tea. It is most noted for its connection with Sir Richard Grenville the Younger and Sir Francis Drake. Drake died at Buckland Abbey and Drake's Drum is still kept at the Abbey. It is owned by the National Trust and the gardens .

Read More

21. Buckfastleigh heritage steam railway

The station was opened in 1872 and closed to passengers in November 1958 although goods traffic on the line continued until 7 September 1962.

It was re-opened as a heritage line by the Dart Valley Railway on 5 April 1969. The South Devon Railway Trust took over running the line on 1 January 1991.

Buckfasteligh Railway Station

The goods shed has been converted into a railway museum and is the home of Tiny the last remaining broad guage locomotive.

For more details see https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/dining-trains/.

22. Croyde Bay

Crowds enjoy the live music as the sun sets over Croyde Bay

Surfing, bodyboarding, camping, sand dune, rolling green Devon hills and sandcastles - just some of the reasons to head for Croyde Bay.

It's in a wide sandy bay between Woolacombe and Saunton Sands. It's one of North Devon's most popular beaches because of it's laid back feel, rural feel and it also has the best surf. The headlands on either side give some protection from the wind.

Croyde Bay map

The sand is fine and golden but it gets firm and compacted towards the shoreline. Great for sandcastles.

23. Pennywell Farm

Family of ducklings soak up the morning sunshine at Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh. (Image: Richard Austin)

This animal park is famous for its tea-cup pigs and pig races. With hands-on activities is perfect for families with young children. There is something new happening every half hour, just listen for the bell.

The kids can join in activities like feeding, goat milking & egg collecting.

Read More

It's famous for it's miniature pigs. Meet hundreds of friendly farm animals and pets, cheer on the Pennywell miniature pigs in the afternoon pig race and enjoy some of the most spectacular views that Devon has to offer.

Open from 10am to 5pm every day until October. Go to the website here for latest prices.

24. Buckfast Butterfly Farm and Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Dartmoor Otter Sanctuary

Giant butterflies, playful otters and resident terrapins in this wildlife centre beside the River Dart near the A38 Devon Expressway at Station House, Dart Bridge Rd, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DZ.

Read More

Exeter up-to-date for all the latest news

The passages have always fascinated local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence. But they were designed to bring clean drinking water from natural springs outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. To avoid digging up roads when the lead pipes leaked the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.

Read More

29. Slapton Ley

The road along the fragile Slapton Line which protects the Ley

Nature reserve, wildlife, lagoon, and lake. Slapton Ley is the largest natural lake in south-west England. Although it is only separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar, it is entirely freshwater. During Storm Emma the fragile road was badly damaged and is being repaired.

Read More

North Devon up-to-date

32. High Willhays

Stunning views from the top of High Willhays on Dartmoor (Image: Google Maps)

The highest point in the UK south of the Brecon Beacons and the highest point in England south of the Peak District. There are amazing views across most of Devon from the rocky summit and although it's a long, hard slog, to get to the top is a tough walk rather than a difficult climb.

The locals pronounce it High Willies and at 621 metres above sea level it's only 12ft higher than neighbouring Yes Tor.

It's not far from the A30 Okehampton bypass at High Willhays Postcode EX20 4LU near the northwestern edge of Dartmoor, about 2.5 km (1.5miles) south east of Meldon Resevoir where there is a car park and about 5 km (3 miles) south of Okehampton.

Read More

Mid Devon up-to-date

33. Overbeck's House, Gardens and Museum

Overbecks House looking down the Salcombe estuary

This hidden paradise of subtropical gardens also holds a quirky museum collection. The Edwardian house and 2.75 hectare garden is on a hilltop looking down the Salcombe estuary. It is named after its last private owner Otto Christop Joseph Gerhardt Ludwig Overbeck.

Read More

34. Wistman's Wood - the most haunted place on Dartmoor

Wistman's Wood is Dartmoor's most haunted place

Mystical Wistman's Wood is described as being “the most haunted place on Dartmoor”. Some warn that every rocky crevice is filled with writhing adders who go there to spawn their young amidst the moss and leaf strewn tree roots.

Locals never venture near once the sun goes down.

It is one of only three remote high-altitude oakwoods on Dartmoor. Since 1964 it's been a site of Special Scientific Interest and protecting the ancient woodlands was one of the reasons Dartmoor was selected as a Special Area of Conservation.

Read More

Many people visit the site on foot (mostly accessing the southern end of South Wood).

Wistman's Wood has been mentioned in writing for hundreds of years. It is believed to be left-over from the ancient forest that covered much of Dartmoor since 7000 BC, before Mesolithic hunter/gatherers cleared it around 5000 BC. Photographs show it has been changing rapidly since the the mid-19th century as the Devon climatic conditions have generally become warmer. The oldest oaks appear to be 400–500 years old and survived in scrub form during two centuries of cold climate.

Read More

This section of the “Devon Coast to Coast” is known as the Tarka Cycle Trail as it follows the journey of Tarka the Otter in the classic tale written by Henry Williamson. With children the route can be broken up into small sections.

Read More

36. Fingle Bridge

Spring on the River Teign near Fingle Bridge (Image: Ray Yardley)

Beauty spot for walking, picnics, paddling and enjoying a riverside pub lunch. Fingle Bridge is a 17th-century stone arch bridge carrying an unclassified road over the River Teign near Drewsteignton, within Dartmoor National Park in Devon.

Read More

38. Morwellham Quay

Morwellham Quay (Image: John Allen)

This fascinating living museum is an historic river port that developed to support the local mines. The port had its peak in the Victorian era and is now run as a tourist attraction with a working village, mine and craft centre. Go to the Morwellham website for latest times and prices here.

Read More

39. Devon Wildlife Trust

This wildlife and nature reserve is small but a great place to unwind not far from Exeter city centre. Located close to the historic quayside, Cricklepit Mill is the headquarters for Devon Wildlife Trust and boasts of an impressive wildlife garden, often described as an urban oasis in the heart of the city.

Lots of wildlife by the stream, bug hotels, bird boxes, feeders and a small wildlife pond.Friendly staff and plenty of information. If you are in the city shopping, make a small detour and have a look around.

Read More

41. Okehampton Castle

Okehampton Castle

Medieval ruins with scenic picnic spots

Ruins of a medieval castle with audio tours, walking paths and picnic spots with spring bluebells. Okehampton Castle is a medieval motte and bailey castle built between 1068 and 1086, guarding a crossing point across the West Okement River.

It has a fascinating history involving the Earls of Devon, the Wars of the Roses and was in good condition until Henry Courtenay was executed by Henry VIII when it was left to decay.

Read More

42. Berry Pomeroy Castle

Berry Pomeroy Castle, a Tudor mansion within the walls of an earlier castle, is near the village of Berry Pomeroy, in South Devon, England. It was built in the late 15th century by the Pomeroy family which had held the land since the 11th century.

Read More

Adults, children and seniors: £14.95 per person (£11.96 when you book online), children under 3ft in height: £6 per person (£4.80 when you book online), babies under 12 months: Free

The Big Sheep is suitable for family fun for all ages. The Rampage Rollercoaster is great for thrill seekers, little ones will love the animal barn and pets’ corner - and there's even an on site brewery for the adults.

In wet weather the Ewetopia Indoor Playground is a great way to tire the kids for a few hours while you enjoy a cup of tea in the warmth of one of the cafés.

During the summer season from Easter until October the venue also runs daily live shows including the world-famous Sheep Racing.

The BIG Sheep is at Abbotsham, Bideford, EX39 5AP and more details can be found on their website here.

45. Exeter Ship Canal

The Welcome Inn beside the Exeter Ship Canal

The Exeter Ship Canal, also known as the Exeter Canal, downstream of Exeter, Devon, England. It was built in the 1560s which means it pre-dates the "canal

46. Becky Falls

Becky Falls, Dartmoor

Beauty spot with animal encounters and education, an indoor theatre and children’s entertainment.

Dartmoor's famous Becky Falls have been welcoming visitors since 1903. The falls are an iconic Dartmoor landmark, and a day out can be as gentle or as adventurous as you wish. All of the activities and shows at Becky Falls are included in the entry price, so there are no extras to pay once you're inside.

As well as being voted Devon's Top Beauty Spot, Becky Falls was also chosen as one of the World Wildlife Fund's Amazing Family Days Out. Choose the Blue Trail for a Children's Letterboxing activity, the Red Trail for a more challenging walk or to visit the Main Falls and, for those who fancy something a little more rugged, try the Purple Trail and Lower Falls for a real sense of Swallows and Amazons-style adventure.

Enjoy acres of award-winning family fun including. Come walk a goat or hand feed the deer and llama. Watch the daily Ferrets Total Wipeout or the Hawkridge Bird of Prey display.

Clamber around the Pirate Ship play area or crawl all over our three different softplay zones. Stroll through the Museum of Farming or step back in time in the Victorian Street. Then tuck into a tasty home-cooked meal in Farmer Lee's Food Barn!